New Police Headquarters and Extension of Charleroi/Danses / Jean Nouvel and MDW Architecture

The new Police headquarters and the extension of Charleroi/Danses was designed by Jean Nouvel and MDW Architecture. The City of Charleroi has commissioned the CFE group to design, build, finance and maintain this ambitious project. More images and architects’ description after the break.

Beside preserving two remarkable wings of an existing cavalry building and adapting them according to low energy standards, this sustainable project includes a third vertical “wing”: a 75-meter new elliptical passive tower clad in blue bricks that accommodates very flexible police offices and facilities.

Charleroi/Danses’ extension houses dance studios and residences for artists, located in small brick buildings that help preserving a human scale. A tent on the roof houses the new foyer-belvedere. All the elements of the complex are connected by a large plaza directly accessible from the street and a public brasserie invites life to enter the plaza. The unusual ensemble creates a green landmark for the city of Charleroi.